About Aylmer Skating Centre

Building skills, confidence, and community on the ice.

About the Aylmer Skating Centre

The Aylmer Figure Skating Club (AFSC) was originally established in 1951 at the East Elgin Memorial Arena. It was a proud member of the Tri County Interclub and the Western Ontario Section. On May 29, 2004, the East Elgin Community Complex (EECC) officially opened, prompting the club’s relocation to the new facility. At that time, the club updated its name to the Aylmer Skating Club to reflect the move. The new complex offered expanded amenities, including twin ice pads, increased seating, and multiple meeting spaces.

Over time, the governing bodies of the Tri County Interclub and Western Ontario Section were merged to form Skate Ontario, which continues to oversee figure skating in the province today. During the 2024–2025 skating season, the Aylmer Skating Club faced increasing challenges as a non-profit organization. As community dynamics shifted and demands on volunteer time grew, it became increasingly difficult to maintain the operational standards the community had come to value. In response, the Board of Directors voted to dissolve the club and support a transition to a new structure under the leadership of Cheryl Ewart and Kristina Brinn, thus forming the Aylmer Skating Centre.

About Our Founders

Together, Cheryl and Kristina form the ideal team to lead the Aylmer Skating Center into the future, preserving its
legacy and ensuring continued growth and excellence.

Cheryl Ewart

Cheryl Ewart has deep roots in Aylmer's skating community. From her early days as a young skater with parents on the board, to her current role as head coach, Cheryl has dedicated her life to supporting skating in Aylmer. With over three decades of coaching experience, she brings unmatched expertise and a true passion for helping skaters of all levels grow and succeed.

Her leadership and steadfast commitment to creating a welcoming, high-quality skating environment continue to make a lasting impact on the community.

Kristina Brinn

Kristina Brinn fell in love with figure skating as a child and later returned to the sport through her daughter’s involvement in the Learn to Skate program.

Over six years with the Aylmer Skating Club, Kristina became an invaluable board member, introducing online registration, launching the club’s first digital presence, spearheading fundraising efforts, and organizing the club’s inaugural and highly successful STAR 1–4 Skate Ontario competition. Her innovation and dedication have been vital to the club’s development. 

A Message from Cheryl and Kristina

As a Skate Canada–sanctioned skating school, we are proud to offer programs aligned with the principles of Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD). Being part of Skate Canada means that every skill you learn is based on a nationally recognized standard of excellence. All of our coaches are trained and certified through Skate Canada’s National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

At the Aylmer Skating Centre, we welcome skaters of all ages and abilities, whether you're learning to skate for the first time, progressing through the test stream, or aspiring to compete. We are committed to promoting inclusivity, positivity, and FUN! Communication is a top priority for us, and we are always available to answer your questions or hear your concerns.

Coaching

Coaching at Aylmer Skating Centre

At the Aylmer Skating Centre, we take pride in offering exceptional instruction from some of the most qualified coaches in the sport. All of our coaches are Skate Canada professionals, holding National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) credentials, First Aid Certification, and current Police Clearance Checks through Skate Canada. Our team brings a wealth of experience, passion, and professionalism to the ice, delivering both group and private lessons tailored to each skater’s goals. Group programs such as CanSkate and Intermediate StarSkate are led by certified coaches and supported by Program Assistants, older, experienced skaters who help guide and inspire our younger participants.

Our Approach to Training

In every program, our coaches focus on developing strong skating fundamentals, technical skills, and a lasting love for the sport. CanSkate and Intermediate StarSkate participants benefit from structured group lessons, while StarSkate sessions offer a variety of group activities, from stroking and edge work to synchro and field moves, providing skaters with diverse training experiences. Private and semi-private lessons are available for skaters seeking more focused instruction; however, no private lessons take place during a CanSkate session to ensure group safety and program flow. Once a skater reaches the Star 2 level, regular private coaching is strongly encouraged to support their ongoing development.

Working with a Private Coach

Choosing a private coach is a personal decision between the skater, parent, and coach. Families are encouraged to contact coaches directly to discuss availability, lesson frequency, fees, and coaching style. All coaches offering private instruction at Aylmer Skating Centre are listed with their contact details and training qualifications, such as CanSkate Trained/Certified Regional Trained/Certified, and Provincial Trained/ Certified, so families can make an informed choice. Lesson arrangements, payments, and cancellations are managed directly with the coach, ensuring a clear and professional relationship that supports each skater’s progress and enjoyment on the ice.

Meet our Club Coaches

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Aylmer Skating Centre
Cheryl Ewart
Cheryl Ewart brings over three decades of coaching experience and a lifelong love of skating. Known for her supportive approach, she helps skaters build confidence, refine technique, and discover the joy of the sport.

Canskate Certified, Regional Certified, Provincial Coach Trained

Accomplishments:
Juvenile Provincials - 6th place
Juvenile Sectionals - 5th place
Aylmer Skating Centre
Britney O'Brien
Britney O’Brien’s upbeat personality and dedication to skill mastery make her a dynamic coach. She strives to keep sessions engaging, motivating skaters to work hard and enjoy the process.

Canskate Certified, Regional Certified, Provincial Coach Trained

Accomplishments:
2013 US Junior National Pairs Gold Medalist
2013 Junior Grand Prix Pairs Gold Medalist
3 time Junior Pairs world competitor

Highest Tests passed:
Gold: Freeskate, Skills, Dance, & Pairs
Aylmer Skating Centre
Cassidy Jones
Cassidy is an enthusiastic member of our skating community who brings dedication and a positive attitude to the ice. She enjoys helping younger skaters develop their skills while continuing to grow in her own skating journey.

Canskate Trained
Aylmer Skating Centre
Mackenzie Ripley
Mackenzie Ripley inspires skaters with her supportive and approachable coaching style. She is passionate about fostering growth, confidence, and a love of skating in every session.

Canskate Certified, Regional Certified

Accomplishments:
2019 - Bronze Medalist Canada Winter Games
2019 - Bronze Medal at Nationals
2018 - North American Series International Champion

Highest Tests achieved:
Gold: FreeSkate & Gold Skills
Aylmer Skating Centre
Madi Ewart
Madi Ewart brings fresh energy and creativity to the ice, motivating skaters to push their limits while having fun. She is dedicated to building strong fundamentals in every session.

Canskate Certified, Regional Certified

Accomplishments:
2025 National Synchro Champion with Nexxice Intermediate

Highest Tests achieved:
Gold Dances, Gold Skills, Gold Artistic
Aylmer Skating Centre
McKenna Doupe
McKenna Doupe brings enthusiasm and patience to her coaching, creating a welcoming space for skaters to learn. She focuses on building strong fundamentals while ensuring skaters enjoy every step of their journey.

Canskate Trained

Accomplishments:
Star 8 Skills, Star 9 dance



Aylmer Skating Centre
Robin Palmer
Robin Palmer combines technical precision with a positive teaching style, inspiring skaters to reach their potential. She is passionate about creating a fun, encouraging environment for all ages.

Canskate Trained, Regional In Training
Aylmer Skating Centre
Sherry Ball
Sherry Ball blends her strong technical background with an enthusiastic, friendly manner. She loves helping skaters achieve personal milestones while enjoying their time on the ice.

Canskate Certified, Regional Certified, Provincial Certified

Accomplishments:
1992 Winter Olympics - 12th in Pairs
1992 World Championships - 10 place in Pairs
1992 Canadian Championships - Bronze Medalist in Pairs
National Team Member 1989 to 1993
Aylmer Skating Centre
Stacey Ball
Stacey Ball focuses on creating a balanced training environment that is both challenging and fun. She encourages skaters to set goals and celebrates every step toward success.


Canskate Certified, Regional Certified

Accomplishments:
1991 Canadian Figure Skating Championships - Bronze Medal - Pairs
1989 Skate America - 5th in Pairs
1991 World Figure Skating Championships - 8th in Pairs
National Team Member 1989-1992

Our Freelance Coaching Team

We are proud to work with a team of trusted and highly qualified freelance coaches who bring diverse experience and expertise to our skating community. Each coach is certified, committed to excellence, and dedicated to helping skaters reach their goals in a supportive environment. Below, you’ll find their names, credentials, and contact information so you can connect directly with the coach that best fits your needs.

Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Provincial Trained
Coaching since 1992
Head Coach
Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Provincial Certified
National Certified
Coaching since 1998
Sherry Ball
saball92@outlook.com
Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Coaching since 1998


Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Provincial Certified





Kristy Clark
Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Coaching since 2024





Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Provincial Certified
National Trained
PowerSkate certified
Special Olympics trained
Coaching Since 1991

Canskate Certified
Regional Certified
Provincial Trained
Coaching since 2013

Britney O’Brien
britneyvsimpson@gmail.com
Canskate Trained
Regional In Training



Robin Palmer
rossnrobin@live.com
Canskate Certified
Regional Coach Certified
Coaching since 2018


Mackenzie Ripley
kenzieripley18@gmail.com
Canskate Trained
Regional Trained



Lindsay Smith
lsmith071115@gmail.com
Proud to partner with
Aylmer Skating Centre
Aylmer Skating Centre
Aylmer Skating Centre
Aylmer Skating Centre